Overview

Robert Hooke is best known for his studies of light, sound, and microscopic beings. Sometimes called England’s Leonardo da Vinci, Hooke’s works included detailed drawings and descriptions of his observations of nature, and he was a creative genius and inventor. Although Hooke had enemies who felt that he did not deserve credit for his experiments, he never stopped working and studying. Robert Hooke devoted his life to learning more about the modern world, and many of his ...

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Overview

Robert Hooke is best known for his studies of light, sound, and microscopic beings. Sometimes called England’s Leonardo da Vinci, Hooke’s works included detailed drawings and descriptions of his observations of nature, and he was a creative genius and inventor. Although Hooke had enemies who felt that he did not deserve credit for his experiments, he never stopped working and studying. Robert Hooke devoted his life to learning more about the modern world, and many of his findings are used today.

Editorial Reviews

Children's Literature

AGERANGE: Ages 10 to 14.

This biography of the multi-talented seventeenth-century English scientist and philosopher Robert Hooke places the thinker firmly in the context of the period's scientific revolution. Following an opening chapter that outlines some of Hooke's key contributions to scientific inquiry, the text turns to Hooke's childhood on the Isle of Wight, as well as his early scientific curiosity and his education at Oxford. Later chapters further examine Hooke's scientific discoveries, as well as his works of architecture and invention. Throughout, small sidebars explain scientific and cultural issues of the day, from the Anglican Church to Newton's scientific laws. Some of the incidents described in this story seem fictionalized (e.g., accounts of specific moments in the lab), but overall the text is grounded in historical fact. Likewise, the paintings by Rita Greer of Hooke and his contemporaries are based on written descriptions rather than on extant depictions (no actual paintings of Hooke exist). Other illustrations include color photographs of important locations in Hooke's life as well as archival scientific drawings and documents. An illustrated timeline, a list of additional print and online resources, and a glossary round out the volume. An entry in the "Signature Lives" series. Reviewer: Norah Piehl

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Meet the Author

Michael Burgan has written numerous books for children and young adults during his nearly 20 years as a freelance writer. Many of his books have focused on U.S. history, geography, and the lives of world leaders. He has also written fiction and adapted classic novels. Michael has won several awards for his writing, and his graphic novel version of the classic tale Frankenstein (Stone Arch Books) was a Junior Library Guild selection. Michael has also worked as an editor at Weekly Reader, the classroom news magazine used in schools across the United States. Michael graduated from the University of Connecticut with a bachelor’s degree in history. When not writing for kids, he enjoys writing plays, and his works have been staged across the United States. He lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico, with his cat, Callie.

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